A travel guide

A travel guide

Read a travel guide about Bangkok to practise and improve your reading skills.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and do the exercises.

Preparation

Reading text

Whether you're travelling to the islands or the mountains of Thailand, you're likely to spend at least one night in its capital city on the way. Bangkok might be noisy and polluted but it's also an exciting city with plenty of things to see and do. Why not make it a longer stay?

Where to stay

The Khao San Road was a famous traveller spot even before Leonardo di Caprio's character in the film The Beach stayed there. But it's noisy, not very pretty and not very Thai. For something more authentic, Phra Kanong offers an alternative place to stay, with its fantastic street markets where everyday Bangkok people eat, work and live. It's not as convenient for the main tourist sites, but it has a Skytrain station so you can be at the Grand Palace in 20 minutes.

How to get around

Bangkok's traffic can be a nightmare. Sure, you can easily take a taxi – if you want to spend hours stuck in traffic jams – but there are two much better ways to get around the city. To explore the temples and historical sites, catch an express boat river taxi or a longtail boat along the Chao Phraya river and the canals. For the modern part of the city, the Skytrain is a fast, cheap way to travel from the river to the shopping malls and nightlife of Sukhumvit, and the famous Chatuchak street market.

Where to eat

The simple answer is: everywhere! Thai street food is among the best in the world, and for around $5 you can eat a filling and delicious meal. Some food stands have little plastic seats where you can sit and eat and they cook the same dish over and over, like fried chicken on rice or Pad Thai noodles. Head for Chinatown – Yaowarat Street – and choose whatever looks most interesting from the many excellent Chinese and Thai restaurants and food stands.  

What to do

After you've seen the main sites like the Giant Buddha at the temple of Wat Pho and the spectacular Grand Palace, and shopped at Chatuchak market, check out the snake farm and watch the live snake show. You can even touch a snake yourself if you want to!

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Average: 4.1 (197 votes)

Submitted by Elenra on Tue, 03/10/2023 - 14:59

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I would like to visit Bangkok, but only for one day. I know that Bangkok might be noisy and polluted. I would like to test their street food, to visit main sites and to travel by the river

Submitted by Issa_25 on Tue, 03/10/2023 - 11:05

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I would like to visit Thailand to experiment delicious food and to discover the Thai landscapes that look very beautiful.

Submitted by MarylineN on Wed, 20/09/2023 - 09:40

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yes i want to visit Bankok because i want to experiment their culture, their food

Submitted by ainul.a on Fri, 01/09/2023 - 05:12

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Yes! I would love to travel to Bangkok because I've never been to Thailand. I heard their food is delectable.

Submitted by MIRANDA FRANKLIN on Fri, 25/08/2023 - 20:36

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At the moment I would not like it, I like the idea of ​​knowing Spain more, I am more interested in its culture.

Submitted by gül0 on Mon, 21/08/2023 - 09:28

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Of course, I would go there if I have a chance. But I think I'm more obsessed with western culture, so I don't think Thailand would be my priority.

Submitted by Rose Khaing on Wed, 16/08/2023 - 16:25

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As for me, I only see on Youtube where the beautiful and wonderful place of Thailand. I would like to go this place, because I have heard Thai street foods are very famous among the world. I want to eat and also Temple are very amaze stuff, I willing to visit. I will visit Thai one day.

Submitted by Chu Huyen on Fri, 11/08/2023 - 03:03

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I'd love to visit Bangkok especially religious sites because I am attracted by ancient temples and pagodas. I also want to discover Thai's culinary culture as well as customs of local people.

Submitted by maria eduarda dias on Wed, 09/08/2023 - 05:40

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I would love to have the opportunity to visit Bangkok and some other Thai cities. I love the asian food and culture. But if I have the opportunity I'd learn some Thai words first.

Submitted by Alice Vu on Tue, 08/08/2023 - 05:33

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I really like to visit Bangkok because I want to explore Thai culture via their street food, temple & pagoda system. In addition, I am curious why Thailand's travel has developed much more than Vietnam's.